NO/AIDS Task Force is still here!
1981
Beginning of HIV/AIDS Epidemic
1983
NO/AIDS Task Force founded
1985
Established Buddy Program; counseling and testing and information hotline
1990
Began offering case management, behavioral health and support services
1991
Received Ryan White grant funding
1996
Started free & anonymous HIV testing and education
1997
Started Food Bank
1998
Started treatment adherence & counseling program
1999
Started offering primary medical care, housing and peer support programs
2000
Started Community Awareness Network – prevention programs.
2005
Hurricane Katrina
2013
Became a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)
2014
Change our name to CrescentCare
2015
Started offering dental services, expanded behavioral health, and partnership with the LSU Sexual Health Center
2018
Moved into 1631 Elysian Fields Avenue
2020
COVID-19 Pandemic
2022
Named a Human Rights Campaign LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader
2024
Moved into 2515 Canal Street
For over 40 years, the NO/AIDS Task Force has been unwavering in providing vital services and support for individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS. Established in 1983 during the height of the AIDS epidemic, the organization played a crucial role in providing services to those living with HIV/AIDS. Initially, the services included accurate information through a hotline and buddy support services. Over time the work grew to include counseling and testing for HIV. As the HIV epidemic evolved and the needs of our New Orleans community, so did the organization.
Today, the organization operates under the name CrescentCare and offers a wide range of services to individuals living with HIV as well as their serodiscordant partners, members of the LGBTQ community and anyone who needs medical care in our community. Services include medical care, behavioral health counseling, dental, housing assistance, legal services, health education, prevention services, and community outreach. The expanded scope has also meant additional prevention activities. CrescentCare prescribes 34% of the PrEP prescriptions in Louisiana, making a real difference in the fight against new HIV infections.
CrescentCare’s expanded scope of services and persons served reflects its commitment to addressing whole-person healthcare and education, not just HIV/AIDS. From case management and chronic disease management to advocacy and addiction recovery services, CrescentCare provides essential support to underserved populations throughout Louisiana. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their background.
CrescentCare has remained deeply committed to being a national leader in LGBTQ health care. It is the only clinic in Louisiana to receive a top score of 100 on the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) from the Human Rights Campaign, demonstrating a commitment to equitable, inclusive, and compassionate care for LGBTQ+ patients and their families, who often face significant challenges in securing the medical care they need and deserve.
By expanding its services and outreach efforts, the NO/AIDS Task Force, doing business as CrescentCare, is not only addressing broader healthcare needs but also improving the lives of Louisianans. CrescentCare is a vital resource for those in need, and we are dedicated to providing whole-person healthcare and education across Southeast Louisiana.